Kernel Milk Line as a Harvest Indicator for Corn Silage in Pennsylvania

A better understanding of the relationship between kernel milk line and whole-plant moisture, yield, and forage quality of corn (Zea mays L.) silage would improve producers' ability to time harvests. This study was conducted to validate the use of the milk line for predicting whole-plant moisture of corn under conditions in the northeastern USA and to evaluate the effect of harvest timing on yield and forage quality. Experiments were conducted in 1986 and 1987 using four cultivars that were harvested at full dent (FD), half milk (HM), and black layer (BL). Whole-plant moisture, kernel moisture, whole-plant yield, and forage quality were evaluated at each stage (...)